This year the Spanish-speaking world is paying homage to the Spanish master Miguel de Cervantes on the 400^th anniversary of his death. World-known by writing Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) has left a rich and impressive legacy.

In this context, the Embassy of Spain, in collaboration with other Maltese institutions as Spazju Kreattiv, the University of Malta and the National Library of Malta, has developed a series of educational and cultural activities with the aim of bringing this Spanish writer closer to the Maltese people.

Throughout the past two months, the Embassy of Spain in Malta organised an artistic contest on the topic of Don Quixote targeting students from Form 1 to Form 6. The best works of the context were exhibited and the winners will be awarded by H.E the Ambassador of Spain in Malta, Mr José Pons, in a ceremony to take place on 22 April at Spazju Kreattiv, St James Cavalier in Valletta. On this special occasion, Dr Adrian Grima will also make a presentation of the book Don Quixote, translated into the Maltese language in poetic form by Pawlu Montebello and published by SKS (Sensiela Kotba Socjalisti).

On 21 April at 7pm, homage to Cervantes will be held at the National Library of Malta.  The event will consist of two parts. First, Fiona Sciberras, professional interpreter, will introduce the work in progress of her translation into Maltese language of the Exemplary Novel by Cervantes El casamiento engañoso/Żwieġ Qarrieqi.

Second, Professor Alfredo Moro, assistant lecturer at the University of Cantabria will give a lecture on the importance of the reception of Miguel de Cervantes for British letters through the exploration of the relationship between the Spanish author and one of the milestones of British prose fiction, Mary W. Shelley, in a conference entitled Cervantes’ long shadow: Reflections on the reception of Don Quixote in Britain and its influence in Mary W. Shelley.

As part of these celebrations, a film festival on the topic Spanish literature in cinema will also be running on 7, 14 and 22 April, at Spazju Kreattiv, St James Cavalier in Valletta. The cycle will be closed on 22 April with the screening of the film El Caballero Don Quijote (Don Quixote, Knight errant, 2002) by Manuel Gutiérrez Aragón, inspired in the second half of the famous novel by Cervantes.

All these events are open to the public.

Cinema screenings are free of charge though subject to booking in Spazju Kreattiv, St James Cavalier. For bookings phone on 2122 3216 or visit www.kreattivita.org

Schedule of events